Butler returns to Botswana
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday August 23, 2019 11:55
Butler was in charge of the Zebras between February 2014 and June 2017, and left to join South African side, Platinum Stars (now Cape Umoya United). He will return this time on the opposite bench, as he will lead Liberia.
The Englishman was on Wednesday appointed Liberia football team coach on a year’s contract, with an option of extension based on performances.
The 52-year-old will face his former employers for the first time since his departure in the September 30 scheduled match.
Lone Stars, as Liberia is affectionately called will visit the Zebras on Independence Day at the invitation of President President Mokgweetsi Masisi. Liberia is ranked just five places lower than the Zebras in the latest FIFA ranking. The 52-year-old Butler became Liberia’s third national team head coach in four years and he is tasked with securing an AFCON berth.
The former West Ham midfielder enjoyed a mixed spell at Lekidi Football Centre. He pushed the Zebras’ FIFA ranking to position 86 and reached the final of the COSAFA Cup in 2016 becoming the first coach to do so. However, he failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), but claimed famous victories over African giants: Mali and Burkina Faso in a lively period in 2015.
A record of 26,662 fans watched the Zebras’ 1-0 win in Mali. He is credited for the introduction of fresh legs in the then weary Zebras’ squad. He oversaw the debuts of Jwaneng Galaxy’s anchorman, Lebogang Ditsele, European-based Mpho Kgaswane and Lesenya Ramoraka of Highlands Park in South Africa.
The trio has since been an integral part of the national team. Butler was never shy of expressing his views; his sharp tongue on Twitter targeted almost everyone in the country’s football circles.
During his stint with the Zebras, he had off-field clashes with the then Botswana Football Association (BFA) technical director, Benny Kgomela and assistant coach Keitumetse ‘Pio’ Paul.